Hundreds bid farewell to columnist
Diarist who captured social life of nation was 'proud Cork woman'
Tuesday November 03 2009
THE worlds of politics, media and show business collided yesterday as people gathered in their hundreds to celebrate the joyful life of former 'Irish Independent' diarist Angela Phelan.
Her son, David, painted a picture of the vitality with which his mother, described as a "proud Cork woman", had lived her all too short life.
The columnist, who had captured the social life of the nation at some of Ireland's top publications over the past three decades, died last Thursday, at the age of 63, after fighting a lengthy battle with cancer with great dignity.
At the packed Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin, her son described his mother as an old-fashioned journalist who believed in deadlines and always getting the story right.
The writer's passion about whatever feature, column or book she was working on was also noted.
There were many lighter moments as he spoke of Ms Phelan's love of New York City, as some of the congregation had been exposed to her excellent advice on the hot shopping and dining spots of the 'Big Apple'.
David said the family had noticed the registration number on the hearse was the zip code of Fitzpatrick's Hotel in New York, her favoured relaxation haven after a spot of shopping.
Among the chief mourners were her three children Sue, Tim and David; daughters-in-law Andrea and Neasa; her two beloved grandchildren Laura (7) and Conor (3), and her sister Mary Dooley.
Her devoted husband Tom died last December following a battle with cancer.
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and his wife Kathleen, close family friends for many years, joined the many mourners at the Mass.
Fundraising
Hotelier John Fitzpatrick had flown in from New York for the funeral, while others present included designer Louise Kennedy, public relations businesswoman Caroline Kennedy and her husband, radio presenter, Tom McGurk.
Others present included Celia Larkin, former partner of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern; couturier Jen Kelly; Ann Lenihan accompanied by her son, Minister of State Conor Lenihan; Elaine and Alison Doody; Pat Moylan, chair of the Arts Council; Eithne Healy, former chair of the Abbey Theatre; Noel Pearson, film producer; Gerry Gannon, developer; Breege O'Donoghue, a director of Penneys retail stores; Mary and Ray Bowe from Marlfield House Hotel and Peter MacCann from the Merrion Hotel were also present.
There were also many figures from the world of journalism who would have worked with Ms Phelan, who was also known for her many charity fundraising activities.
Her book, the shopping guide 'So New York', was renowned among the legions of Irish women who made a beeline to bargain hunt in the US city each November.
She also wrote the story of Brian Lenihan Snr's liver transplant, 'To Mayo and Back', along with Ann Lenihan, and was chief researcher on the most recent edition of 'Who's Who', a list of Ireland's most influential people.
Over a 25-year spell she wrote for the 'Sunday Tribune', 'Sunday Press', 'Image' magazine and the 'Irish Independent'.
Professor John Crown, a consultant medical oncologist at St Vincent's University Hospital, was also present.
Her son praised the care she had received at the hospital.
Chieftains musician Paddy Moloney filled the Church with a haunting lament, as friends and family then accompanied her to the crematorium at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Harold's Cross.
- Louise Hogan
Irish Independent
